LAHORE: Ambassador of Sudan in Pakistan, Al-Shafie Ahmed Mohamed stressed the urgent need for forging unity in the ranks of Muslim Ummah to offset the future economics challenges and urged to pool their natural resources for better future of Muslim people.
Speaking at a dinner reception hosted by Mian Muhammad Saeed Arain Derawalay, a leading exporter, in his honour here last night, he said that now entire Europe is in deep economic recession and by the grace of Allah, Muslim countries are blessed with plenty of natural resources, minerals and deposits.
He said that if all the 57 Muslim countries combine their indigenous resources and focus on the promotion of trade among them then there is no need of foreign assistance at all.
LCCI,President,Irfan Qaisar Sh,SVP LCCI Kashif Younis Meher,former LCCI President Mian Muzaffar Ali,Mian Khurram Saeed and other leading businessmen were also present.
He said Sudan is desirous to seek Pak co-operation in training and capacity building.He said as a result of prudent economic policies, significant economic growth rate was recorded last year in Sudan,adding that in response to broad based policies,foreign investors are coming to Sudan for investment in various development projects."We are looking forward to enhance bilateral trade and strengthen relations on sound footings between the two countries", said Al-Shafie Ahmed Mohamed.
Ambassador said that "We are seeking close co-operation of different Muslim countries for economic development in Sudan through private sector, however, Pak businessmen would be given priority." He said that Pak investors doing business in Sudan are happy with the conducive environment.
Speaking on the occasion,Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry,Iftikhar Ali Malik said that the private sector of either countries must increase the volume of trade in sectors of their choice.
He said the Muslims constitute about 22 per cent of the world's population but the share in the world GDP is hardly 4.5 per cent, despite the availability of human and natural resources.
Iftikhar Ali Malik said that "We need to have a look at OIC trade profile, which accounts for only 7.8 per cent of the world export and 6.7 per cent of the world import. In 2006, OIC countries produced export of 1.2 trillion US$ and import of one trillion US$".
He said that stagnant growth, deteriorating physical infrastructure, institutional weaknesses, high population growth and unemployment are the factors responsible for low growth in Muslim countries.
"The level of economics and commercial co-operation among the Muslim countries is also showing dismal situation".
Iftikhar Ali Malik highlighted that Pakistan is interested in seeking cooperation with Sudan in all sectors, especially in textile, automobile, telecommunication, health care and medical training.
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